A NUMBER of Zululand parents are among a national group raising funds to take legal action against Vision Sport SA after a number of paid-for sports tours were cancelled at the last minute, leaving them financially crippled.
The story came to light in December when Empangeni resident Kobus van der Westhuizen approached the Zululand Observer with details of the company’s alleged scam.
Chief Executive Officer of Vision Sport South Africa and Mauritius, Michael Beyneveldt, is alleged to have cancelled a number of overseas school sporting tours at short notice, without compensation.
Van der Westhuizen was one of many parents to open up a case at their local police department.
‘I opened up a case at the Empangeni police station and last time I checked on my case number, I was told that my case was passed on to provincial level and have not heard anything again,’ said Van der Westhuizen.
‘That was a while ago, so when I get time I do intend to follow up and see what is happening.’
Van der Westhuizen’s 18-year-old daughter, Kerry, who attended Empangeni High School last year, was selected to go on tour to the Netherlands from 4-13 December.
‘After numerous fund-raising events we managed to pay R38 725 for the tour, excluding visa costs and internal flights, but Kerry did not go on tour and we did not receive our money back.’
Krugersdorp News ran an article in December telling Beyneveldt’s side of the story.
In the article, Beyneveldt explained that the tours had been cancelled due to factors beyond their control.
‘I realised that Vision Sport found itself in the invidious position where the majority of clients whose children were supposed to participate in the year-end tours, had not yet paid the full fees due to Vision Sport,’ Beyneveldt explained in his statement.
He continued to explain that the company’s terms and conditions stated the necessity for all clients to adhere strictly to the payment terms and each parent had to accept these terms and conditions.
The participants were also added to WhatsApp groups and received regular updates and reminders as to when the fees were payable.
‘In most cases the clients were also contacted individually to remind them of overdue payments.’
According to the statement, Vision Sport depended on the payments because all necessities like flights and hotels had to be booked in advance.
‘It is an industry norm that all these service providers impose a strict cancellation policy whereby the whole or substantial parts of the deposits are forfeited in the event of cancellations,’ he said.
The statement also said that it is not unheard of for service providers to levy surcharges or escalate their prices if the payment date is exceeded.
Beyneveldt also told Krugersdorp News that he did refund R330 000 to parents.
But according to Van der Westhuizen, his daughter’s tour group had paid in full and had evidence of payments made to Vision Sport South Africa.
‘We formed a WhatsApp group for all those selected for the tour and all parents did pay in full, so why was her tour cancelled?’
Van der Westhuizen told the ZO on Monday that the parents are not accepting the situation and are taking matters further.
‘We have formed another WhatsApp group and are currently trying to raise R20 000 to take legal action against Vision Sport South Africa.
‘We need to still raise R6 000 to meet this goal, then we can get the legal ball rolling.
‘According to my knowledge, Vision Sport South Africa is open again and operating as normal.’
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
